NRA-PVF Endorses Pat Toomey for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Fairfax, Va. -- The National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) is endorsing Pat Toomey for U.S. Senate this November. The announcement was made today at a series of events throughout Pennsylvania by NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre and NRA-PVF Chairman Chris W. Cox. LaPierre and Cox were joined by Pat Toomey in Green Tree, Clarks Summit and York, Pennsylvania.

"Pat Toomey is dedicated to fighting for our freedom. He earned the NRA-PVF endorsement because he has always supported our freedoms," said Wayne LaPierre, executive vice president of the National Rifle Association. "Pennsylvania gun owners and hunters need that level of dedication in the U.S. Senate."

Pat Toomey had an outstanding record of supporting gun rights while serving in the U.S. House of Representatives. During his time in Congress, Toomey voted for the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, which prevents attempts to bankrupt the American gun industry through bogus lawsuits. He also voted for the District of Columbia Personal Protection Act to repeal the D.C. gun ban and restore gun rights to residents of our nation's capital and provided solidly pro-gun responses to our federal candidate questionnaire.

Toomey's record is in stark contrast to that of his opponent, Congressman Joe Sestak, who has voted against the right of self-defense for law-abiding Americans and signed on as a co-sponsor to renew the failed 1994 gun ban. Sestak has also been endorsed by, and has received political contributions from, extremist anti-gun and anti-hunting groups. Sestak also received the personal endorsement of one of the leading opponents of hunters, gun owners and freedom, Mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York City.

"Pat Toomey's pro-gun record and steadfast support for individual gun ownership rights speaks for itself, earning him an 'A' rating from the NRA-PVF," said Chris W. Cox, chairman of NRA-PVF. "On November 2nd, we urge all Pennsylvania NRA members and gun owners to vote for the one candidate in this race with a proven record of standing up for our rights -- Pat Toomey."

Chris W. Cox is NRA's chief lobbyist. He also serves as chairman of NRA-PVF. The National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund is responsible for political candidate rankings. These are based on candidate voting records, public statements and responses to NRA-PVF questionnaires.

Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America's oldest civil rights and sportsmen's group. More than five million members strong, NRA continues to uphold the Second Amendment and advocates enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation's leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the armed services. Be sure to follow the NRA on Facebook and on Twitter @NRA.

The NRA Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) is NRA's political action committee. The NRA-PVF ranks political candidates — irrespective of party affiliation — based on voting records, public statements and their responses to an NRA-PVF questionnaire.

Paid for by NRA Political Victory Fund (www.NRAPVF.org) and not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

WHAT THE GRADES MEAN ×

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The NRA-PVF is non-partisan in issuing its candidate grades and endorsements. Our decisions are not based on a candidate's party affiliation, but rather on his or her record on Second Amendment issues. The NRA is a single issue organization. The only issues on which we evaluate candidates seeking elected office are gun-related issues.

Indicates an NRA Endorsed Candidate.

A+

A legislator with not only an excellent voting record on all critical NRA issues, but who has also made a vigorous effort to promote and defend the Second Amendment.

A

Solidly pro-gun candidate. A candidate who has supported NRA positions on key votes in elective office or a candidate with a demonstrated record of support on Second Amendment issues.

AQ

A pro-gun candidate whose rating is based solely on the candidate's responses to the NRA-PVF Candidate Questionnaire and who does not have a voting record on Second Amendment issues.

B

A generally pro-gun candidate. However, a "B" candidate may have opposed some pro-gun reform or supported some restrictive legislation in the past.

C

Not necessarily a passing grade. A candidate with a mixed record or positions on gun related issues, who may oppose some pro-gun positions or support some restrictive legislation.

D

An anti-gun candidate who usually supports restrictive gun control legislation and opposes pro-gun reforms. Regardless of public statements, can usually be counted on to vote wrong on key issues.